Work With Us

Hourly rate

$15.45

Hours

Hours vary, some weekends required.

Duties

Assist the horticulture section with nature trail and horticulture exhibit maintenance, including but not limited to:

• Mulching, maintaining, and weeding plant and shrub beds, lawn areas, and walkways
• Pruning and trimming trees and shrubs
• Planting, raking, collecting, and removing debris
• Operation of a lawnmower, leaf blower, and weed eater
• Loading and unloading tools, equipment, soil, gravel, and sand for project assignments
• Maintaining plants in an indoor environment
• Storm damage cleanup
• Other horticultural duties as required.

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED plus some outdoor work experience.
• Ability to use common gardening and hand tools.
• Ability to perform physical labor under various climate conditions for extended periods.
• Ability to bend and kneel for extended periods.
• Ability to use a backpack blower and string trimmer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Interact with staff, volunteers, and public in a pleasant and professional manner.

Preferences

• Have a general knowledge of horticulture practices and a desire to learn.
• Knowledge of native Virginia plants is desirable, but not required.
• Horticulture experience is a plus.

To Apply

Email your resume and cover letter to BRoosa@VirginiaAquarium.com
or
mail to
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

If selected, applicants will be hired through Abacus Staffing Services.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is looking for a part-time Office Assistant to work in the Aquarium’s Volunteer Engagement Office and provide administrative support to the Volunteer Engagement Manager. This is a key position, and the ideal candidate must have exceptional organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and experience working in a fast-paced environment. This individual must also have strong customer service skills, an ability to maintain confidentiality, and be able to handle multiple priorities.

Hourly Rate

$15

Hours

Up to 32 hours per week. Typically Monday through Friday, 8:30am-3:00pm, and rotating weekends. Can be flexible with scheduling.

Duties

• Provide administrative support to the Volunteer Engagement Manager
• Process volunteer applications and screen volunteer applicants
• Orient/onboard new volunteers
• Answer phone inquiries
• Review and respond to volunteer office emails
• Greet walk-ins and respond to their requests
• Prepare monthly recognition reports and rosters
• Oversee volunteer office mailings and email blasts
• Assist with volunteer database and online course database management
• Maintain monthly inventory of volunteer uniforms
• Coordinate logistics for volunteer classes and volunteer engagement events
• Assist with onsite and virtual volunteer meetings and training sessions
• Help maintain online volunteer recruitment ads
• Participate in volunteer recruitment events
• Assist with volunteer interview sessions and training registration
• Respond to volunteer inquiries and process requests
• Maintain/order office supplies
• Oversee projects assigned to volunteers serving in the volunteer office
• Other tasks as assigned

Requirements

Exceptional organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and experience working in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing productivity are required. Must have strong customer service skills, ability to maintain confidentiality, and handle multiple priorities. Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills, the ability to bend and lift up to 25 pounds, and a valid driver’s license are required.

Preferences

Previous administrative support or office management experience; experience working with volunteers of varying ages; proficient in using social media with creative writing and some graphic design skills; experience screening job/volunteer applications; proven data entry and database management experience with HRIS/CRM systems such as Volgistics or similar; conservation/marine science knowledge or interest is a plus.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter and resume to AquaVols@VirginiaAquarium.com by December 16, 2024. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. This position will be employed through Abacus Staffing Services.

The Virginia Aquarium’s Guest Engagement Section is accepting applications for Guest Engagement Interns. The application deadline is open until a candidate has been selected. Interns are expected to complete 160 hours over three consecutive months, depending on semester dates. Please note that this is an unpaid experience, and the Virginia Aquarium does not provide intern housing. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit.

Position Overview

The Guest Engagement Intern will be responsible for helping develop and implement early learning, pop-up Science on the Go programs, Special Event activities, and Grab Go Show bags with a focus on fun educational content accessible to all audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement early learning activities that encourage the exploration of nature and science through play for a young audience.
• Facilitate programs designed to share core conservation messages that are easy for all guests to understand.
• Create opportunities for a wide age range of children, including pre-kindergarten and school-aged children, to explore and learn about nature at the key engagement areas in the Aquarium.
• Develop Grab Go Show bags to compliment messaging at key engagement areas including Rays, Upland River, and Sharks.
• Conduct evaluations on programming and activities offered to ensure educational goals are met.
• Work with staff to ensure guests’ needs are met with excellent customer service.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be a rising sophomore, junior, or recent graduate.
• Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, and responsible. Should work well independently as well as with a team.
• Must be physically fit, able to lift 50 pounds, and stand outdoors for long periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrate interest in a career in environmental education and/or science communication.
• Have some experience working with an early learning or young audience.
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Be comfortable talking to guests and providing good customer service.

Position Requirements

• Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Pass a City of Virginia Beach background check.
• Be available to work during the Aquarium’s operating hours, 9:00am-5:00pm, which may include occasional weekend days.

Intern Learning Objectives

• Develop fundamental engagement skills and test strategies for informal environmental education communication.
• Gain programming and facilitation skills by overseeing the entire program planning process.
• Facilitate teamwork through positive actions and activities.
• Deliver a formal report of the experience that includes insight and knowledge gained that can be shared with the education staff in an informal presentation.

Intern Schedule

The internship schedule is flexible to accommodate classes and work obligations.

Minimum Commitment Required

160 hours over a consecutive three-month period.

Intern Supervisor/Mentor

Guest Engagement Team Lead

Work Location

Virginia Aquarium’s Main and South Buildings.

Application Requirements

A complete Guest Engagement-Community Engagement Intern application packet must include the following components. Only complete application packets will be considered.

• A cover letter detailing how the internship experience will assist with career or academic goals.
• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center internship application form.
• Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference.
• Resume.
• College Transcript(s).

Completed Application Packets

Email the completed application packet to: Interns@VirginiaAquarium.com and copy KPBurns@VirginiaAquarium.com .

Please put "Guest Engagement Intern Application Packet" in the subject line.

OR

Mail your completed application packet to:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

717 General Booth Boulevard

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

Attn: Volunteer Engagement - Intern Applicant

The Virginia Aquarium’s Veterinary Science & Research Division is now accepting Stranding Response Intern applications for Summer 2025. The application deadline is February 1, 2025. Internships will be approximately three months, starting between May and June. Internships will be fulfilled in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines, and positions are subject to change based on the most current recommendations. Please note that all positions are non-compensatory, and the Virginia Aquarium does not provide housing. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit.

Position Overview

Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) interns promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, response, rehabilitation, and education. Interns will be cross-trained in all aspects of stranding response; however, daily tasks will be assigned to interns according to interest and caseload. Stranding work is unpredictable; therefore, experiences will vary by internship. VAQS staff will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each session.

Responsibilities

• Respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in the field.
• Participate in all aspects of post-mortem examinations: cutting and sampling, data collection, photographing, carcass recovery, and cleaning.
• Perform daily husbandry tasks, including food preparation, feeding, and cleaning the rehab area, kitchen, and associated supplies.
• Assist staff with new admits and daily patient treatments. Restrain animals for exams, collect vitals (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and morphometrics, take photographs, administer medications, and perform wound care.
• Ensure response preparedness by stocking response bags, fueling vehicles, and cleaning gear.
• Assist with releases of rehabilitation patients, public outreach events, and volunteer/cooperator trainings.
• Assist staff with daily administrative tasks, including answering hotline calls, data entry, and completing response paperwork.
• Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by VAQS staff.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program or have graduated within the last two years.
• Must be physically fit, able to lift 50 pounds, and walk long distances on the beach in adverse conditions such as extreme heat and cold, humidity, rain, and wind.
• Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, and responsible. Should work well independently as well as with a team.
• Should be comfortable around dead and decomposing animals.
• Prefer candidate comfortable driving large pick-up trucks and vans. If accepted, willingness to learn how to drive response vehicles is required.
• Background in biology and familiarity with stranding response preferred.
• Experience with DSLR cameras and Microsoft Access preferred.

Position Requirements

• Attend VAQS orientation and City of Virginia Beach Defensive Driving upon starting.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Pass a City of Virginia Beach background check.
• Comply with all organizational COVID-19 preventative measures.

Intern Schedule

Intern is expected to be available 3 to 4 days weekly, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Weekend and holiday coverage is expected.

Minimum Commitment Required

24-32 hours per week for the duration of the internship, approximately 400 hours.

Intern Supervisor/Mentor

VAQS Volunteer Manager and project supervisor.

Work Location

Virginia Aquarium’s Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center.

Application Requirements

A complete Stranding Response Internship packet must include the following components:

• Cover letter including preferred focus area, response/necropsy or rehabilitation, and internship expectations. There is some flexibility with internship start/end dates; please include any known schedule conflicts in your cover letter.
• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center internship application form.
• Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference. Letters can be sent separately to StrandingVolMgr@VBGov.com .
• Resume.
• College transcript(s).

Completed Application Packets

Email the completed application packet to: Interns@VirginiaAquarium.com and copy StrandingVolMgr@VBGov.com . Please type "Stranding Response Intern Application Packet" in the subject line.

OR

Mail your completed application packet to:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

717 General Booth Boulevard

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

Attn: Volunteer Engagement - Intern Applicant